We create estate plans to make sure our family is taken care of. It’s important to remember that our family includes our pets. Our furry, feathery and scaly friends depend on us, and our estate plan should provide for their future if we’re no longer available to care for them.

1. Your pet could live for a long time, even without you.

The average life span of a dog is 13 years, the average life span of a cat is 15 years and certain parrots and turtles can live up to 100 years old! If you become ill and can no longer take care of them, or if you pass away, your pet could still need care for many years to come.

2. Promises from friends or family may not stand the test of time.

We can’t predict what will happen in our lives or in our relationships. Maybe your brother made a promise to take care of Fido a few years back, but he’s since taken a new job and moved across the country. Maybe he’s moved into a condo that has a strict no-pet policy. It’s always better to make formal arrangements.

3. It’s simple to include your pets in your estate plan.

With the help of your lawyer, it’s fairly simple to include pets in your Last Will and Testament or to set up a trust for your pets. You’ll simply need to decide who to appoint as your Personal Representative to take care of your pets in the event of your death. Be sure to choose two or three people in case your first choice is unavailable.​Keep in mind that whoever you choose to take care of your pets does not need to take them in permanently. They can agree instead to act as a temporary caregiver until they find your pet a good permanent home.